police | ALXnow - Part 111

Police Chief Seeking to Stem Rising Incidents of Aggravated Assault at Home

Published January 23, 2020 at 3:30PM

Aggravated assaults have increased every year for the last three years in Alexandria, and Police Chief Michael L. Brown said that his department is working on methods to reverse the trend.

“Some of these are happening behind the doors of residences in the city, and we’re trying to get a better understanding of that,” Brown told ALXnow. “We’re working with the Department of Community and Human Services to see what we can do to come up with a program that aligns city services with the need of individuals so that they don’t have to call 911 and we can do something else beforehand.”

News

City Council Recognizes Alexandria Police 150th Anniversary

By James Cullum

Published January 21, 2020 at 5:15PM

Alexandria’s finest were recognized by the City Council last week. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Alexandria Police Department, and Mayor Justin Wilson honored the department with a city proclamation in council chambers.

“The most important role of local government is to protect public safety, and we are fortunate that the residents of the city are able to rely 24/7 on the best police department on the planet, the Alexandria Police Department,” Wilson said. “Every day you confront danger so our residents do not have to. You keep our residents safe, and you do it with a smile and incredible customer service.”

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 14, 2020 at 8:00AM

APD Launches Safety Campaign for Officers — “Commuters often hear about the importance of safety on the road, but a new police program in Alexandria, Virginia, seeks to help officers keep themselves out of harm’s way on the road. Through its newly-launched, 12-month ‘Safety First — Every Shift, Every Call’ campaign, Alexandria police will provide officers with monthly safety tips throughout 2020 on topics like safe driving tactics, traffic stops and driving while fatigued.” [WTOP]

Drug Take-Back Day Coming Soon — “Alexandria encourages residents to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including those prescribed by veterinarians, during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. A special collection will take place on January 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., although medications may also be taken year-round to one of the permanent drop box locations.” [City of Alexandria]

News

Shell Casings Found, No Injuries or Damage from Shots Fired Near Bishop Ireton

By James Cullum

Published January 13, 2020 at 2:15PM

Alexandria police car at night (file photo)

No injuries were reported after gunshots were apparently fired near Bishop Ireton High School over the weekend.

The Alexandria Police Department said Sunday night that it was investigating shots fired on the 200 block of Ellsworth Ave., in the West End.

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Police: Drug Offenses Decline in Alexandria, Though Assaults Continue Upward Trend

By Vernon Miles

Published January 13, 2020 at 11:45AM | Updated January 13, 2020 at 12:47PM

Alexandria police cruiser (file photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 12:45 p.m.) Police calls for serious crime in Alexandria rose in 2019, though misdemeanors have generally been on the decline, according to a new report.

Data in the city’s Crime and Quality of Life report shows that overall, felony dispatches have increased by 4.2% in Alexandria. Between 2018-2019, aggravated assaults increased from 151 to 208, a 37.7% increase.

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 13, 2020 at 6:00AM

APD Investigates Friday Night Robbery — “The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a commercial robbery in the 3100 block of Duke Street. Merchandise was taken and one minor Injury. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]

Appointment for Former Fire Chief — “Former Alexandria, Va Fire Chief Robert Dubé has been appointed Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, according to a press release issued Friday, January 10, 2020 from Governor Ralph Northam’s office.” [Zebra]

News

Man Hospitalized After Being Struck By Vehicle in the West End

By Vernon Miles

Published January 7, 2020 at 2:00PM

A man remained hospitalized with serious, though non-life threatening, injuries after a crash on Yoakum Parkway yesterday, according to police.

The 300 block of Yoakum Parkway was closed in both directions around 5 p.m. yesterday (Monday), up to Stevenson Avenue, police tweeted. An adult male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, police spokesman Lt. Courtney Ballantine told ALXnow, with serious but life-threatening injuries that left him hospitalized.

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 2, 2020 at 8:00AM

APD Celebrating 150th Anniversary — “Starting January 1, 2020, we begin celebrating the 150th Anniversary of APD. Officers have been authorized to wear the anniversary badge pictured below.” [City of Alexandria, Twitter]

Photographer’s Old Town Xmas Snap Goes Viral — “This picture of Old Town awash in holiday colors is fast becoming Alexandria’s most shared Christmas photo. It went viral almost immediately when amateur photographer Chris Bridner posted it to his Instagram page.” [Zebra]

News

Security Stepped Up at Alexandria Synagogues After New York Attack

By Vernon Miles

Published December 30, 2019 at 12:00PM

Following a knife attack on a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, Alexandria is stepping up its security for local synagogues.

On Twitter, Mayor Justin Wilson said the city’s police department and sheriff’s office are in touch with the Beth El Hebrew Congregation and Agudas Achim Congregation about a heightened police presence.

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published December 26, 2019 at 10:30AM

Temporary Parking Change for Rec Center — “Due to the closure of Chinquapin Road, parking for Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility and Chinquapin Park is being redirected to the parking garage at T. C. Williams High School (3330 King St.) on Thursday, December 26. Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility is open until 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 26 and all programs will take place as scheduled.” [City of Alexandria]

Assault Investigation in Landmark Area — “The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a felonious assault in the unit block of South Reynolds Street. The victim was transported to a local hospital. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published December 23, 2019 at 6:00AM

Financing for Wegmans Development — “The developers behind Carlyle Crossing, the Wegmans-anchored mixed-use development going up near the Eisenhower Avenue Metro station in Alexandria, have lined up $253 million in financing for the project. ” [Washington Business Journal]

Five-Year-Old Found Wandering in Cold — “Authorities in Alexandria say a young child who was found out in the cold early Friday will be reunited with her mother… The 5-year-old was found near a Taco Bell location at the intersection of South Van Dorn Street and Edsall Road before 4 a.m.” [Fox 5]